Big Wheel Magazine announces their top 9 records of 2008 in Punk, Indie and Rock

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Big Wheel Magazine announces their top 9 records of 2008

 

We are very proud to present the Big Wheel Magazine top 9 records of 2008 .... why 9... well everyone does a top 10, so no reason to follow the norm, plus we can do what we want. Alot of input from visitors to the website as well as our staff of editors, writers and photographers went into this list.

The list is made up of new releases for 2008 with a timeless classic record included. There were alot of excellent records that were released in all genres and the list compiled reflects what Big Wheel felt were the top releases of 2008.

 

1. Cat Party- Jigsaw Thoughts
This young southern California band should have been the long shot when it came to making any "best of" list of the year. But one listen to this album and it is strikingly apparent that Cat Party has a style and aura that breaks through at least 3 genres while at the same time bringing the best elements of each together. Cat Party's sound is much different than their name might suggest; with this album sounding ever more intense on a cloudy day or post breakup. This is music you listen to!  www.myspace.com/birdsofpreymusic

 

 
2. Fucked Up- The Chemistry of Common Life
Over the years hardcore punk rock has become formulaic, and on a large scale watered down to the point where everything feels safe and sterile. However there are always a few bands that push the envelope further than everyone else and for the past few years the band that has stuck out the most in doing this is Fucked Up. In 2008 the band followed up their previous L.P., "Hidden World," with the "Chemistry of Common Life." With "Hidden World's" mad scientist approach to song structures and lyrics dealing with the occult and secret societies, it was difficult to see where Fucked Up would go next, but "Chemistry" took everything further out. With music that could be compared to late Beatles and early Poison Idea records in the same sentence Fucked Up once again proved that they could continue to be absolutely prolific and still kick ass at the same time.  lookingforgold.blogspot.com

 

3. The Briggs - Come All You Madmen
The Briggs have been a very active band since their inception and for the past few years they have put out a new record every year while keeping up with a hectic tour schedule. All of the past recordings have all been excellent and then came this 2008 release "Come All You Madmen" which just demonstrates that they can keep stepping up their game. When you look across the musical landscape there are bands that write songs that can come and go, and then there are bands that write anthems that stick around forever and The Briggs have a knack for writing anthems all throughout their records which keeps them from ever fading away. One of the signature tracks from this record, "This is LA" in 2008 was made the official theme song for The LA Kings hockey which is pretty damm cool. The songs are so melodic, anthem driven, laced with guitar hooks that suck you in further, it is a record that we never stopped playing over and over. This record really solidifys The Briggs place and relevance.  www.myspace.com/thebriggs

 

4. Jay Reatard- Matador Singles '08
If you put a Jay Reatard record on in a crowded room chances are everyone with a pulse will be rocking out or at least tapping their feet. Everything that is great about rock n roll is packed into Reatard's music, from the pop contagiousness of early pioneers like Bill Haley and Buddy Holly, to the energy of the Ramones and MC5, and the cool creepiness of the Adverts and the Damned. Pure and simple this singles collection is flawless and brilliant. Anyone who has lost faith in rock n roll should hear Jay Reatard.  www.myspace.com/jayreatard

 

5. Bobot Adrenaline - Unfurled
When a band gets started on the heels of an iron heel administration the likes of George Bush, plenty of that anger and frustration is gonna spil out lyricly. What is really refeshing about Bobot Adrenaline's record is that you feel informed about the issues plaguing the world, and not proselytized, all while being entertained. Actully this record catches you off guard with the guitar work that has a Ska-Punk type quality to it that is a beat pounding and harmonizing from track to track. Gaining alot of momentum with it's regular shows during the run the  "Kiss or Kill" club had, this album does it's early supporters proud and gained the praise of new fans alike.  myspace.com/bobotadrenaline

 

6. AC/DC- Black Ice
It only took AC/DC 35 years, and 16 records to prove themselves as one of the greatest Rock N' Roll bands of all time. From Angus Young's first strum on the opening track- Rock N' Roll Train to the soulful blues vocals of Brian Johnson on the ending blues track Black Ice. AC/DC proves that they still got what it takes to rock out with your cock out, even if that cock is carrying some old and wrinkly balls these days. I was very excited and extremely shocked by how well "Black Ice" came out and I think it is probably one of the most important Rock Albums since Back in Black. Who really needs another Guns N' Roses record? When you've got AC/DC!  www.myspace.com/acdc

 

7. The Bronx- III
We think these five local boys have finally found their niche on this record, and are about to prove to the world in 2009 that Punk still belongs to the shit kids living in the gutters and back alleys of the city, and not to the washed up reality driven MTV Generation. The Bronx (III) is as pure and hard as it gets supplied with earth shattering metal guitars and drum beats with the lead vocal styling from one of the craziest mother fuckers we know- Matt Caughthran. We believe it was the great Henry Rollins that once said "your music is a reflection of yourself. Therefore, if your life sucks like Morrissey, then it makes it hard to write a good record". We really doubt the same could be said about the Bronx as this band is as real as it gets and I know that Henry would agree.  www.myspace.com/thebronx

 

8. Guilty Faces - Nightmares
Not many albums that are just released are able to make a "Best of" list for the year, but with Guilty Faces, we felt that there had to be an exception. This is a band that can be likened to a mix between The Adolescents and Gray Matter which is evident in the first song of the album, "Nightmares", which can be found on their myspace. Nightmares is one of those songs that you listen to once and need to listen to it over and over again. It's catchy and has some great guitar leads, which is the case for the rest of the songs on the album also. With their first official release finally out, this Connecticut band should have no problem following it up in 2009!  www.myspace.com/guiltyfaces
 

9. The Adolescents  -  Timeless Classic Record Of The Year
This was the spot on the top 9 list that we wrestled with for a while, but just kept going back to the word "timeless". This 13 song album touches on issues that just about everyone has had to deal with at some point in their life. Perhaps one of the strongest songs on the album lyrically is "Who is Who" which touches on the confusion one might have in trusting people who are seemingly supposed to be your allies, but in fact are against you "if teachers are my friends then why do they make me stand in front of a class of gawking fools who'll never understand". Released in 1981, this album is still very relevant in 2008, and as long as there is frustration and anger in the world, this album will likely do well in 2009 and in years do come.  www.myspace.com/theadolescents

Bad Antics

Since 2005 Bad Antics have been writing songs dealing with the skating, day to day struggles, and people they don’t like. But now as the band approaches their fourth anniversary they are about to release a new record showcasing the sound that makes them distinctively Bad Antics.

We've been following Bad Antics ever since we first saw them play at the Alley Club in Fullerton,CA back in 2005. This was way back when they were a 5 piece band with Jenn Agnew on drums. They have always been a fun, energetic band, sometimes refered to as  "skate punk", which is funny because they really don't have many songs about skating. Oh well.

Give these guys a listen if you're into fast, melodic punk bands like Agression.

Lyrically Bad Antics are a strong band touching on subjects like individuality such as in the song "Get in where you fit in" which talks about how one should hang out with like minded people, rather than changing your self to fit a mold of what other people want you to be. They also touch lightly on politics, without getting preachy and annoying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just in time for 2009!  Bad Antics have just released a 7 song E.P. titled "The Wave" out on Flat Black Records

Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/badantics

Year End 2008 Editorial

As 2008 nears a close, many of us begin to reflect upon our accomplishments, failures and goals we may or may not have reached. The funny thing about goals is that you can always push them back farther and farther so that you never reach them. I guess for some people it could be a crutch, for others fear of the unknown. I know this year has been very fruitful for us here at Big Wheel and in keeping with the spirit of Thanksgiving we are all very thankful. We have made some great improvements to our coverage and have acquired some fine staff members.
We have embarked upon a project that brings us international coverage of shows in the UK, a milestone for many of us who rarely get a glimpse of shows across the ocean. Most importantly, we can never thank our staff of writers and photographers enough for the long hours they work to get the coverage and then produce it for the large global community to enjoy. Thanks goes out to the many bands that mark the musical landscape that have lent their support to our efforts here. An even bigger thanks goes to you the fans of the online magazine, your support in the form of the emails you send in, to thanking our staffers when you see them out covering shows all the way to the surprise beers you buy them at a show.

We have endured a great deal as a nation this year, with many friends and family members being affected in some way by the national crisis that we are facing. Never before have many of us seen so many people out of jobs, and kicked out of their homes while big business gets bailed out, but I guess that's just the way of the world.

 
Besides the doom and gloom we are living with daily, the one thing that has changed for the better is the price of gas. It was not long ago that the price of gas was getting so out of control that many Americans couldn't afford to go to work, needless to say go to shows or drive anywhere for pleasure. If you did decide to go somewhere you filled your car with friends and charged admission to anyone who had enough cash to spare. You just hoped that if you were the one who couldn't afford to pay, that another paying friend didn't come along and boot you out! Now people are being less stingy with giving free rides and since then gas prices have gone from a skyrocket, to a freefall, to where as I write this, the price of gas is $1.65/gal in Los Angeles, CA.


But beyond the financial problems we all face there are personal issues that have shaped how we will remember 2008 individually.  This year we've gone to shows, secluded ourselves, made friends, lost friends, traveled, married, moved, had children, created, destroyed, skated, drank, relapsed, partied, slammed, laughed, cried, hated, forgiven, loved, lost, and learned, but in spite of it all, this year has given us character and will shape who we are next year and in years to come.

-Matt C.-
Editor in Chief

 

Tue- Dec 30, 2008 – Total Fury w/ Last Priority,
Broken Needle & C.I. – The Art Lab – Oxnard, CA

Total Fury, Broken Needle, Tipper’s Gore, COP, The Imposters, DLA at Dipiazza’s in Long Beach, CA

Shows like this are the reason that a lot of us got into hardcore Punk. Every band who played was stellar, the all ages venue was packed, and the energy was through the roof all night. There were no fights to speak of, no extended down time between bands, and it seemed like everyone at the show was smiling and having a good time.

Destroy L.A. had the honor of kicking things off and played fast and furious. They have made some impressive improvements to their sound and stage presence in the past year. Joey's vocals reminded me of Warzone tonight and he was going off for their whole set. Their set was followed by a rocking performance by The Imposters who were on top of their game.

COP took the stage with a take no prisoners attitude, mixing new and old material with Government Issue and Faith covers. It seemed like Josh spent just as much time diving into the audience as he did singing on stage. Tipper's Gore also gave the audience an aggressive performance, introducing some new material and playing songs from all of their records.

Broken Needle's set was a little tame in comparison to most of their gigs in regards to audience participation, but nevertheless their performance was not affected. They ended their set with covers of Life's Blood and Minor Threat after playing originals like "My Rules," "Waste Away," and "Trash This Place."

Total Fury are famous for their live performances and tonight it was clear where they get their reputation as one of the most energetic hardcore bands in the world today. The room was packed out and the band was falling over themselves with excitement.

Their early 80's Dischord Records worship is apparent not only in their song writing but their performance and watching them was like watching a video of Minor Threat or the Faith in 1983. They did not stop between songs and by the end of their set they were all  close to laying on the floor from exhaustion. Despite the venue's no stage diving policy at the end of the set the band held up a sign that said "Free Dives" and with that the stage was barraged. If they had played any longer they may have literally brought the house down with them

www.myspace.com/totalfuryjapan


 

-Ditch-

 

More photos of the show are HERE

 

                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

Bad Manners, Max Splodge, Aka-Ska – at Moshulu – Aberdeen, UK

Tonight we take in a show with Bad Manners, Max Splodge, Aka-Ska at Moshulu. The evening kicks of with local Ska band Aka-Ska who do cover versions of Ska classics from Madness to the Specials. They are great at what they do but now it is time to step it up a gear and maybe do some of their own tunes.

Max Splodge (front man for splodgenessabounds) plays what is known as Punk Pathetique that involves humour and working class cultural themes.

Using some of Bad Manners as his band he is very entertaining and brings a slice of Punk rock to tonight's proceedings. also the driver of the tour bus comes on stage with a snowboard and lies under it while someone hits it with a stick. Singing “2 Little Boys” “Hurry Up Harry” and finish of with his hit “2 Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps Please”

It was almost one year to the day that I took my first photos at Moshulu and the band was Bad Manners, so it was fitting that I should finish the year taking photos at a Bad Manners show. The band turned up very late because the tour bus had broken down, but this month long tour had been dogged with problems. At the start of the tour the bus had caught fire and a lot of equipment had been lost, so taking this into consideration the guys were in high spirits. Bad Manners has lots of members which vary on tour but the main members seem to be Buster on vocals, Simon Cuell on guitar, Lee Thompson on bass, Ritchie D on keyboards and the wacky but highly entertaining Russell Wyn on percussion.

The band come on and play an instrumental till Buster comes on with his traditional leopard suit and shouts “This is Ska” and the show has begun, with Buster singing with his trademark sticking out of his tongue. We are given 75 minutes of Ska and loads of dancing. “Fatty Fatty” where Buster rubs his stomach with glee, never more someone so proud to be of a larger size. “Special Brew” has me dancing away as it is one of my fave songs. “Sally Brown” is another favourite with the crowd.

The “Can Can” has all the brass section doing the Can Can dance and the band is joined on stage by Max Splodge who along with Simon Cuell proceed to headbut the mic all through the song. All through the show there is pillar obscuring my vision of Russell on the bongos, so it is quite hard to get photos of him but made even harder when each time I try to take a photo of him he hides behind the pillar and it turns into a game of ‘hide and try and get the photo’. At one point he has an empty beer case on his head!

After the show we head upstairs to talk and do a couple of group photos and talk about the two-tone tour planned for next year (will update when I find out more) and they tell me how much they enjoy the Aberdeen crown and they will be back at least twice next year.
 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

-Dod M-
BW Overseas Correspondent

 

                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

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